How to Start Commercial Rose Farming Business

Do you want to start a rose farming business? If yes, you are in the right place. Find here a detailed step-by-step guide on how to start rose cultivation for profit.

Rose holds a leading position among flowers in popularity throughout the globe. Also, it is the most beautiful flower on this planet. The rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, and even war and politics from way back in time. Hence, the product has a wide market both in the domestic and international cut flower trade.

The scientific name of the rose is Rosa. The plant belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is a woody perennial flowering plant. You can find over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars of rose globally. However, for commercial rose production, all varieties are not suitable. You must select the variety carefully.

Different Uses of Rose

Generally, roses are ornamental flowers. So, people widely use it for both indoor and outdoor beautification. Additionally, roses are the most popular cut flowers. Roses are widely used in making garlands, flower bouquets, and worshipping God.

Another commercial use of rose is producing essential oils. Rose essential oil is an important ingredient in the perfumery industry. Also, it has wide applications in the cosmetics and food processing industry.

Additionally, applications of rose hips in jam, jelly, marmalade, soup, and brewed tea, primarily for their high vitamin C content are also very popular. Apart from these, rose water has a wide application in sweets and snack production.

Different Types of Rose Farming

Broadly, you can grow roses in two different ways. Either in an open field or in greenhouses. Generally, in temperate climates, you can grow cut roses in glasshouses. And in warmer countries, you can grow roses in the open field. Also, you can produce roses undercover to protect the flowers from damage by weather, pests, and diseases.

Rose Farming in Open Field

If the agro-climatic condition of your area permits rose to farm in an open field then it is the most cost-effective way of producing a rose. In open field cultivation, one acre can hold 12000 rose plants. And you can harvest after 2 ½ months of planting. Also, you can continue harvesting for 150 days at 1 pinch /week. In one season, you can harvest about 8 tonnes of flowers.

Rose Cultivation in Greenhouse

Rose cultivation in the greenhouse is also profitable. However, you must choose the right variety according to market demand. Additionally, you must design the greenhouse based on sound scientific principles that facilitate a controlled environment for plant growth.

Read: How To Start an Organic Farming Business

However, greenhouse rose production is a cost-intensive business. It demands more capital investment per unit area than field agriculture. So, before entering into the greenhouse rose cultivation you must prepare a financial analysis.

Different Variety of Commercial Rose Farming

Throughout the globe, rose comes in numerous varieties. For commercial rose farming where you want to generate maximum profit, you need to choose the variety according to your end purpose. Some of the variety produces beautiful flowers, and some varieties are popular for essential oil production.

Some of the rose varieties are most effective for preparing rose tea. Additionally, you must select the variety that fits the agro-climatic condition of your area. Here we have compiled a list of some of the most popular rose varieties.

• Old roses: Lady Banks, Rose de Rescht, Green Rose, Yolande d’Aragon, Francis Dubreuil, Baronne Prevost.
• Modern/hybrid: Floribunda, Grandiflora, Hybrid tea rose, Fragrant Plum, Gold Metal, Amber Queen, Iceberg.
• Hybrid Tea (H.T.) Roses: H.T. roses are used in the hybridization programs to develop modern roses.
• Wild/species roses: Rugosa rose, Multiflora rose.
  Miniature Rose: Kristin, Rise n’ Shine, Magic Carrousel, Child’s Play, Baby Boomer.
• Climbing roses: Mme. Alfred Carriere Climbing Rose, Zepherine Drouhin Climbing Rose, Sombreuil Climbing Rose, Renae Climbing Rose, New Dawn Climbing Rose.
• Shrub roses: Ballerina, Mister Lincoln, Peace.
• Tree/standard roses

Agroclimatic Condition for Rose Farming

Roses need bright sunshine and free ventilation. Sunshine for six hours is ideal for better growth and flowering. Additionally, roses need a humid and moderate temperature ranging from 15°C to 28°C. And if you are growing roses in the greenhouse then you need to provide proper ventilation.

7 Steps to Start a Rose Farming Business

1. Create a Rose Farming Business Plan

The primary requirement for starting a rose farm is the right selection of land. So, you must have a certain area of land for rose cultivation. Additionally, you must identify the exact market demand for the specific type of rose. It will help you in selecting the right variety.

So, crafting a business plan is an absolute necessity for starting a successful rose farming business. Here, you need to mention the financial analysis of cost and marketing strategy. Generally, the cost includes labour, procurement of agricultural inputs, and utilities like electricity, fuel, etc.

2. Field Selection

If you don’t have your land, you can start this business in the rented field. In that case, you must select the field carefully. You must choose the field that fits the required soil condition for the rose farm. Generally, the rose grows well in the plains under the ideal condition of fertile loamy soils with salt-free irrigation water.

3. Watering

After immediate plantation, roses need frequent watering. And there are plenty of options you can explore for irrigating the flowers. The most effective way of watering is using a sprinkler. Additionally, you will need to provide weeding and hoeing after every alternate watering.

4. Fertilization

Commercial rose farming requires pruning and regular fertilization. You can apply Farm Yard Manure and NPK both in the proper ratio.

5. Plant Protection

The pest attack is very naturally occurring in the rose plant. So, you must provide proper care and plant protection management. Additionally, you must protect the rose farm from potentially harmful diseases.

6. Harvesting

You can harvest fully developed flowers with sharp secateurs. Keep 1 to 2 leaves with the flower after cutting. For long-duration storage and transportation, you need to harvest the undeveloped flowers. After immediate harvest, you need to provide the proper storage facility for the longer shelf life of the flowers.

7. Rose Farming Marketing Guide

Before initiating the farm, you must have a clear marketing strategy. Additionally, you must identify the selling avenues before starting the farm. Due to their highly perishable nature, you can’t store roses for a longer period.

If you are producing the rose using a fresh flower, then you must have a contract with the flower wholesalers. And if you are growing rose for producing value-added products, then you must contact the factories. Moreover, proper marketing is the most crucial aspect of a successful rose farming business.